“The last two weeks have been a difficult time for us, a country where Kenyans have lost their lives, many injured, and property destroyed,” said Mr Ruto.
After three weeks of protests, President William Ruto has extended his condolences to the families of Kenyans who lost their lives during the demonstrations, acknowledging that “one life lost is a life too many”.
The President has pledged government support to those injured and families of the deceased, as well as promising to investigate the use of excessive force by police.
In response to the protests, President Ruto has cut his advisors by 50%, dissolved 47 state agencies, and suspended non-essential travel by state and public officers, as well as banning participation in fundraising events (harambee).
The protests, which began on June 18, resulted in 39 deaths, hundreds injured, and over 30 enforced disappearances, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights condemning the police’s use of “excessive and disproportionate force”.
